Technologist Mechanical Engineering

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

About the role

Western Digital is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a minimum of 5 years of experience to design, develop, and validate mechanical components and assemblies for our Hard Disk Drive (HDD) product portfolio and data storage solutions. The engineer in this position will drive precision mechanical design for head-disk assemblies (HDA), actuators, base castings, and enclosures while meeting stringent performance and reliability requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical components for HDD systems:
  • Head Stack Assembly (HSA) including actuators, flex circuits, voice coil motors
  • Base casting and top cover assemblies
  • Spindle motor integration and mounting systems
  • Shock dampening and vibration isolation structures
  • Breather filters and contamination control features
• Develop parts using advanced CAD (SolidWorks/NX) with tight tolerances
• Use geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) for drawings and 3D models to communicate ideal part with allowable variation to meet functional requirements
• Design for ultra-clean operation environments (Class 10/100 cleanroom)
• Use 3D printing and other rapid prototyping processes to conduct design validation testing
• Perform FEA on structural components (shock resistance, stiffness optimization)
• Conduct modal analysis for resonance avoidance in actuator systems
• Execute tolerance stack-up analysis for critical assemblies
• Design test fixtures and develop test protocols for design validation
• Execute environmental testing for shock, vibration, and thermal cycling
• Drive failure mode analysis and implement corrective actions (FMEA, root cause analysis)
• Partner with recording heads, media, firmware, and servo teams for system integration
• Interface with suppliers on specifications and quality

Requirements

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum of 5 years of actual work experience (not just school projects)
• Expertise in Precision Mechanical Design, preferably in HDD industry with proven track record delivering products
• Experience with high-volume consumer electronics or medical devices
• Experience with head-disk interface (HDI) and aerodynamics
• Knowledge of actuator dynamics and servo positioning systems
• Experience with contamination control and particle management
• Awareness of magnetic recording fundamentals

Skills

• Manufacturing: Deep knowledge of die casting, precision machining, MIM, stamping
• Metrology: CMM programming, optical measurement systems, surface profilometry
• Materials: Aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and engineering polymers for HDD applications
• GD&T: Advanced application for tight-tolerance assemblies
• CAD: Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks
• Analysis: FEA tools, modal analysis, shock/vibration simulation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent communication
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced development environment

Pay

The salary range for this role is applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in these states. The range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, ability, knowledge of the job, performance, contribution, results, geographic location, shift, internal and external equity, and business and organizational needs.

If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.

Benefits

• Eligibility for bonuses under WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”)
• Eligibility to participate in the annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents
• RSU awards available to eligible new hires
• Paid vacation time and paid sick leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, accident, and disability insurance
• Tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit benefits
• Applause Program
• Employee stock purchase plan
• WD Savings 401(k) Plan